Chicken Tikka Masala Pizza is a fusion dish that marries the vibrant, spicy flavors of classic Indian chicken tikka masala with the beloved Italian pizza. This inventive pizza features a base of creamy, flavorful tikka masala sauce topped with juicy chunks of marinated and grilled chicken, along with a generous amount of mozzarella and a sprinkle of fresh coriander for a burst of freshness. Baked until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbly, this pizza offers a delightful blend of textures and tastes that make it a perfect choice for those looking to explore global flavors in a familiar format.
Ingredients:
For the chicken tikka:
- 1 lb (450 g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1/2 cup plain yogurt
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon grated ginger
- 1 tablespoon tikka masala spice blend
- Juice of 1 lemon
- Salt to taste
For the pizza:
- 1 pre-baked pizza crust (12-inch)
- 1/2 cup tikka masala sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
- Fresh coriander (cilantro), chopped for garnish
Directions:
- Marinate the chicken:
- In a bowl, combine yogurt, garlic, ginger, tikka masala spice blend, lemon juice, and salt. Add the chicken pieces and stir to coat thoroughly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or up to 24 hours for more flavor.
- Cook the chicken:
- Preheat a grill or skillet over medium-high heat. Remove the chicken from the marinade, shaking off excess. Grill the chicken pieces until cooked through and charred in spots, about 6-8 minutes. Set aside.
- Prepare the pizza:
- Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C). Place the pre-baked pizza crust on a pizza stone or a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Assemble the pizza:
- Spread the tikka masala sauce evenly over the crust, leaving a small border around the edges. Sprinkle half of the mozzarella cheese over the sauce. Distribute the cooked chicken pieces and sliced red onion over the cheese. Top with the remaining mozzarella.
- Bake the pizza:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and the crust is golden brown.
- Garnish and serve:
- Remove the pizza from the oven and immediately sprinkle with chopped fresh coriander. Slice and serve hot.
Chicken Tikka Masala Pizza is a flavorful, satisfying meal that brings together two culinary worlds in a way that is both unexpected and delicious.
